Tamar Stands Up

- by David Mercier #CCLBVoices

The story of Tamar is one usually just briefly mentioned as pastors focus on their “superstars” in the lineage of Jesus. But when you take some time with it, you realize Tamar is actually an incredibly relatable character in the Bible. Tamar had her family, laws, religion, tradition against her, but she figured out how to stand up for herself.

As a widowed woman Tamar had practically zero power. The law which seemed like it would take care of her in such a situation actually made it possible for her family to basically hold her hostage. She most likely thought her father-in-law would eventually kill her.

I’m sure Tamar was outraged at her situation. But as she sat with her frustration she didn’t explode into a destructive rage, she didn’t give in to her lack of power. No. Instead she came up with a plan. Tamar figured out how to use the only power she had left, her body, to gain some sovereignty. And as a result, she continued the line that leads to Jesus.

I once read that people often consider meekness to be weakness, but the Bible describes it as power under control. It’s strength focused on restoring wholeness, shalom. Jesus even refers to himself as being meek in Matthew. And he teaches: Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the Earth. (Matthew 5:5) What if real meekness - power under control, a healthy standing up for ourselves - is what Tamar is modeling for us?

Have you been in a situation where it seemed like you were powerless? What did you do? Or, looking back, what do you wish you would have done? Bring your memories and thoughts to Jesus in prayer.